SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #331 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

CHANSON

Possible Answers:

Larceny

Girdle

Song

Unguent

Eructation

Correct answer:

Song

Explanation:

A "chanson" is a "song," usually a specific type of French composition. An "eructation" is a belch, and an "unguent" is an ointment. "Larceny" is theft. A "girdle" is one of a variety of belt-like garments.

Example Question #332 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

GUFFAW

Possible Answers:

Laugh

Sprig

Catamount

Coracle

Fountain

Correct answer:

Laugh

Explanation:

A "guffaw" is a loud, hearty "laugh." A "coracle" is a small boat, and a "sprig" is a small stem or twig. A "catamount" is a type of wildcat, usually a cougar.

Example Question #333 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ULUATION

Possible Answers:

Equilibrium

Zest

Surprise

Howl

Firmament

Correct answer:

Howl

Explanation:

A "ululation" is a howl or a wail and is often used in traditional ceremonial settings. "Firmament" is another word for the sky, and "equilibrium" is balance. "Zest" is a synonym for "zeal." A "surprise" is something unexpected.

Example Question #334 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DEMEANOR

Possible Answers:

Animosity

Commendation

Ardor

Bearing

Astonishment

Correct answer:

Bearing

Explanation:

Someone's "demeanor" is their "bearing," appearance, or manner. "Astonishment" is surprise and awe. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim. "Ardor" means passion, and "animosity" means hatred.

Example Question #335 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SOJOURN

Possible Answers:

Rest

Soup vessel

Melody

Luster

Drinking vessel

Correct answer:

Rest

Explanation:

A "sojourn" is a brief "rest" or respite. It is not a type of drinking vessel (tankard, flagon, cask, etc.) or soup vessel ("tureen"). It is also not a "melody," or song. "Luster" is gloss or shine.

Example Question #336 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SQUALL

Possible Answers:

Storm

Infection

Disagreement

Harvest

Wail

Correct answer:

Storm

Explanation:

A "squall" is a brief, intense "storm." It is not a "cry "or "wail," nor is it a "harvest" or crop yield. Another word for "infection" is disease, and another word for "disagreement" is quarrel or squabble.

Example Question #337 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

STATUTE

Possible Answers:

Edict

Inundation

Crypt

Statuary

Sculpture

Correct answer:

Edict

Explanation:

A "statute" is an "edict" or law, which is not to be confused with a "statuary," or group of statues (sculptures). A "crypt" is a burial place. An "inundation" is a deluge or flood.

Example Question #338 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

APIARY

Possible Answers:

Balm

Heritage

Beehive

Ordnance

Birdhouse

Correct answer:

Beehive

Explanation:

"Apiary" is another word for a large "beehive" or collection of beehives. This is easy to confuse with an "aviary," or large structure for housing birds. "Heritage" is an inheritance, either a literal one or a figurative one. A "balm" is a salve or soothing ointment. "Ordnance" is weaponry, arms.

Example Question #341 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

EFFLUVIUM

Possible Answers:

Odor

Repast

Rejoinder

Gift

Riposte

Correct answer:

Odor

Explanation:

"Effluvium" is an unpleasant "odor," discharge, or waste product. It is not a "gift," or present. It is also not a "repast," or feast. "Rejoinder" and "riposte" are synonyms for witty comebacks or remarks.

Example Question #342 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

TANKARD

Possible Answers:

Nobleman

Drinking vessel

Armored vehicle

Armor

Military fortification

Correct answer:

Drinking vessel

Explanation:

A "tankard" is a large "drinking vessel" with a single handle, often made of pewter and seen in old-fashioned pubs. Don't confuse this with a "tank" (armored vehicle). It is not "armor," which is a suit worn to protect the body from bullets. It is also not a military fortification, which may also be called a "citadel." There are various titles for noblemen, depending on their status.

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